Literacy Coaching | Online

Program Type
Certificate of Graduate Study (Online)
Credential
Certificate of Graduate Study
Mode of Study
Online
Department
Literacy, Language, and Culture
School
School of Education and Human Development

E-tuition & fees

Costs include tuition & fees. All students receive our e-tuition rate. See cost details

Credit hours

12 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Program duration

Finish in as little as 1 year. Explore program requirements

Admissions

6 entry terms per year. No GRE required. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Balance your schedule while earning your certificate: Our fully online program for practicing educators allows you to complete coursework from wherever you are.
  • Save money with affordable tuition: Online students receive our e-tuition rate.
  • Develop the knowledge and skills to coach PreK-12 teachers in effective literacy instruction and promote professional learning in schools and districts.
  • Practice and enhance your literacy coaching skills by working in a unique practicum experience in the field.
  • Study with full-time faculty with doctoral degrees in Literacy, Language, and Culture — and with part-time faculty who are experienced members of the professional education community.
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Career opportunities

Students who complete this certificate will be able to develop a comprehensive literacy program; coach classroom teachers in the literacy curriculum; advocate for equitable, culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction; and facilitate integration of digital literacies in support of school goals.

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Program requirements

This certificate is for teachers with an MSEd or Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy and 2 years of Literacy teaching. Our curriculum is aligned with the International Literacy Association’s Professional Standards for Reading Professionals.

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Dedicated faculty

Our faculty are actively involved with presenting work at national conferences, publishing their work in journals, serving as members of state education associations and committees, and engaging with the Southern Maine Writing Project.

Meet our faculty
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Independent study practicum

Pursue options that align with your professional interests. These might include a writing project, intensive clinical experiences, educational consultation, or research.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In this program, you’ll examine contemporary approaches to school-wide literacy and build capacity for teachers and school leaders to carry out the school’s literacy mission.

Get answers
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Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Admission information: Certificate of Graduate Study in Literacy Coaching

Application deadlines & program start dates

Choose from 6 start dates per year.

SessionApplication deadlineProgram start date
Fall 2024 term: Session 1August 15, 2024September 3, 2024
Fall 2024 term: Session 2October 9, 2024October 28, 2024
Spring 2025 term: Session 1January 2, 2025January 21, 2025
Spring 2025 term: Session 2March 5, 2025March 24, 2025
Summer 2025 term: Session 1April 30, 2025May 19, 2025
Summer 2025 term: Session 2June 18, 2025July 1, 2025

Criteria for admission include successful completion of a master’s degree in literacy or a closely related field and two years of classroom teaching experience. To earn a certificate, students must complete 75 percent of the required coursework at USM, and earn a grade of B (3.0) or better in each course.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee:
    • In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
    • International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Personal Statement addressing the following prompt: Explain your interest in literacy leadership and coaching. Describe your philosophy of effective literacy teaching and learning and your vision for effectively supporting teachers to enact this philosophy. What personal qualities and professional experiences qualify you to pursue this certificate?
  • Proof of teacher certification: See details below.

About proof of teacher certification

  • The evidence should be a copy of your teacher certification from the state in which you are certified. Teacher certification must be at the level of provisional or professional, and not at the level of conditional certification.
  • This program requires that students are certified teachers at the time of admission and for the duration of the program.
  • Students seeking an exemption to this requirement must write a request for a waiver that includes both an explanation and justification for the request.
  • Submit your proof of teacher certification or request for a waiver along with your application materials to edocs@maine.edu.

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

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